Act would protect use of firearms

To the editor:

U.S. Rep. Roscoe Bartlett of Maryland has introduced a bill protecting the right of law-abiding Americans to use guns in self-defense.

The Citizens' Self-Defense Act, would specifically protect the right of law-abiding citizens to use handguns, rifles and shotguns in defending themselves, their families or their homes. It would also allow people whose self-defense rights have been violated by any government entity to bring legal action in federal court.

Let's join together to push through this commonsense gun rights legislation now. Take action. Tens of millions of law-abiding, gun-owning Americans voted in November to protect and restore our gun rights.

Now is the time to sock it to the anti-gun media, entertainment personalities and the political lapdogs who try to work their wretched will to destroy our Second Amendment. HR 47 has been referred to the House Committee on the Judiciary. We must not let it get stuck there. We need to let Congress know that we want swift consideration of this bill. Call, e-mail and write to your representative, asking him or her to support the Citizens' Self-Defense Act.

LARRY MASON, Macomb, Ill.